Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO   NEWS RELEASE

 

CONTACT:

William T. Camp

Executive Vice President and

 

6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 800

Rockville, Maryland 20852

Tel 301-984-9400

Chief Financial Officer   Fax 301-984-9610
E-Mail: bcamp@writ.com   www.writ.com
  July 23, 2009

WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ANNOUNCES

SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) (NYSE: WRE) reported financial and operating results today for the quarter ended June 30, 2009:

 

   

Net income was $0.23 per diluted share compared to $0.41 per diluted share in the same period one year ago. Included in the second quarter 2009 and second quarter 2008 net income are respective charges of $0.04 and $0.03 per diluted share from the adoption of an accounting pronouncement impacting the accounting of our 3.875% convertible notes(1). Also included in the second quarter 2009 and second quarter 2008 net income are respective gains of $0.12 and $0.32 per diluted share related to the sale of real estate. Additionally, second quarter 2009 net income includes a gain of $0.02 per diluted share related to the repurchase of convertible debt.

 

   

Funds From Operations (FFO)(2) was $0.53 per diluted share compared to $0.54 per diluted share in the same period one year ago. Included in the second quarter 2009 FFO is a gain of $0.02 per diluted share related to the repurchase of convertible debt.

 

   

Guidance for 2009 FFO per diluted share remains unchanged.

Capital Structure

In the second quarter, WRIT issued 5,250,000 common shares at an offering price of $21.40 for proceeds of $112.4 million. WRIT repurchased a total of $40.8 million of its 3.875% convertible notes at an average discounted price of 91% of par for approximately $37 million. In conjunction with these repurchases, WRIT reported a gain of approximately $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2009. During the quarter, WRIT reduced the outstanding balance on its lines of credit by $33 million. Currently the outstanding line balance is $15 million. Also this quarter, WRIT entered into an agreement to modify its $100 million unsecured term loan with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to extend the maturity date from February 19, 2010 to November 1, 2011. In May, WRIT completed the sale of Avondale Apartments in Laurel, Maryland for $19.75 million, achieving a net book gain of $6.7 million on the 237 unit Class B property.

On June 30, 2009, WRIT paid a quarterly dividend of $0.4325 per share for its 190th consecutive quarterly dividend at equal or increasing rates.

As of June 30, 2009 WRIT had a total capitalization of $2.6 billion.

WRIT ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $58.4 million. Subsequent to quarter end on July 1, 2009, WRIT used a portion of this cash to prepay a $50 million mortgage that was to mature in October 2009, thus unencumbering five multifamily assets in Virginia: Munson Hill Towers, Country Club Towers, Roosevelt Towers, Park Adams Apartments and The Ashby at McLean. Subsequent to quarter end on July 23, 2009, WRIT completed the sale of the Tech 100 Industrial Park, a three building, 166,000 square foot industrial property in Elkridge, Maryland for $10.54 million and a net book gain of $4.2 million.


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Operating Results

Overall portfolio economic occupancy for the second quarter was 92.9%, compared to 92.3% in the same period one year ago and 92.3% in the first quarter of 2009. Overall portfolio Net Operating Income (NOI)(3) was $51.0 million compared to $46.4 million in the same period one year ago and $50.5 million in the first quarter of 2009.

Core(4) portfolio economic occupancy for the second quarter was 93.1%, a decrease of 140 basis points (bps) from the same period one year ago and an increase of 10 bps sequentially from the first quarter of 2009. Core portfolio NOI for the second quarter decreased 2.5% and rental rate growth was 2.1% compared to the same period one year ago.

 

   

Multifamily properties’ core NOI for the second quarter increased 4.6% compared to the same period one year ago, aided by a 2.1% expense reduction. Rental rate growth was 1.1% while core economic occupancy decreased 110 bps to 92.2%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy increased 90 bps from the first quarter of 2009.

 

   

Office properties’ core NOI for the second quarter decreased 4.3% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 2.7% while core economic occupancy decreased 150 bps to 92.6%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy increased 40 bps from the first quarter of 2009.

 

   

Medical office properties’ core NOI for the second quarter decreased 0.8% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 2.8% while core economic occupancy decreased 120 bps to 96.4%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy decreased 60 bps from the first quarter of 2009.

 

   

Retail properties’ core NOI for the second quarter decreased 3.3% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 0.5% while core economic occupancy decreased 10 bps to 95.0%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy decreased 20 bps from the first quarter of 2009.

 

   

Industrial properties’ core NOI for the second quarter decreased 3.3% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 1.9% while core economic occupancy decreased 300 bps to 90.2%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy decreased 40 bps from the first quarter of 2009.

Leasing Activity

During the second quarter, WRIT signed commercial leases for 558,861 square feet with an average rental rate increase of 13.8% over expiring lease rates, an average lease term of 4.4 years, tenant improvement costs of $8.53 per square foot and leasing costs of $6.46 per square foot.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed medical office leases increased 7.8% to $34.02 per square foot, with $8.54 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $5.67 per square foot in leasing costs.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed office leases increased 17.6% to $41.03 per square foot, with $13.12 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $8.08 per square foot in leasing costs.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed retail leases increased 4.9% to $32.90 per square foot, with $0.23 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $4.64 per square foot in leasing costs.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed industrial/flex leases decreased 3.1% to $8.01 per square foot, with $1.46 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $4.08 per square foot in leasing costs.

Residential rental rates increased 1.1% in the second quarter compared to the same period one year ago.

In April 2009, WRIT extended its lease with The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), one of the two development institutions that make up the World Bank, at 1776 G Street in Washington, D.C. The extension is for approximately 150,000 square feet and commences January 1, 2011 for a 5-year term. The IBRD also occupies an additional 61,000 square feet in the building which expires February 28, 2014.

Other News and Events

Since September 2008, 12 of WRIT’s 28 office properties have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. This signifies that the buildings’ energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide. The properties awarded the Energy Star in the second quarter of 2009 were 515 King Street, 1700 Research Boulevard, Jefferson Plaza, The Ridges, Wayne Plaza and Parklawn Plaza. Subsequent to quarter end, 40 West Gude, 1220 19th Street and 1776 G Street earned the Energy Star. 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monument II and 6110 Executive Boulevard earned the designation in September 2008, February 2009 and March 2009, respectively.

 


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Conference Call Information

The Conference Call for 2nd Quarter Earnings is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Eastern time. Conference Call access information is as follows:

 

USA Toll Free Number:    1-877-407-9205   
International Toll Number:    1-201-689-8054   
Leader:    William T. Camp   

The instant replay of the Conference Call will be available until August 7, 2009 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern time. Instant replay access information is as follows:

 

USA Toll Free Number:    1-877-660-6853   
International Toll Number:    1-201-612-7415   
Account:    286   
Conference ID:    325435   

The live on-demand webcast of the Conference Call will be available on the Investor section of WRIT’s website at www.writ.com. On-line playback of the webcast will be available at http://www.writ.com for two weeks following the Conference Call.

About WRIT

WRIT is a self-administered, self-managed, equity real estate investment trust investing in income-producing properties in the greater Washington metro region. WRIT owns a diversified portfolio of 91 properties consisting of 28 office properties, 21 industrial/flex properties, 17 medical office properties, 14 retail centers, 11 multi-family properties and land for development. WRIT shares are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:WRE).

Note: WRIT’s press releases and supplemental financial information are available on the company website at www.writ.com or by contacting Investor Relations at (301) 984-9400.

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of the current credit and financial market conditions, the availability and cost of capital, fluctuations in interest rates, tenants’ financial conditions, the timing and pricing of lease transactions, levels of competition, the effect of government regulation, the impact of newly adopted accounting principles, changes in general and local economic and real estate market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including our 2008 Form 10-K, our first quarter 2009 10-Q and our Form 8-K filed July 10, 2009. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.

 

 

(1)

Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position APB14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP 14-1”), requires the bifurcation of a component of our 3.875% convertible notes, classification of that component in shareholders’ equity, and accretion of the resulting discount on the convertible notes to interest expense. As a result of the adoption of FSP 14-1, equity increased by $21.0 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The principal balance of our 3.875% convertible notes was reduced by $6.3 million and $12.0 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and the unamortized balance of the related loan origination costs was reduced by $2.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively. The decline in principal reflects the unamortized discount balance related to the adoption of FSP 14-1. Interest expense increased $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2008 as a result of the adoption. The gain on extinguishment of debt decreased by $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2009 as a result of the adoption.

(2)

Funds From Operations (“FFO”) – The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) defines FFO (April, 2002 White Paper) as net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)) excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property plus real estate depreciation and amortization. FFO is a non-GAAP measure and does not replace net income as a


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     measure of performance or net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We consider FFO to be a standard supplemental measure for equity real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) because it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of our properties without giving effect to real estate depreciation and amortization, which historically assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have instead historically risen or fallen with market conditions, we believe that FFO more accurately provides investors an indication of our ability to incur and service debt, make capital expenditures and fund other needs.
(3)

Net Operating income (“NOI”), defined as real estate rental revenue less real estate expenses, is a non-GAAP measure. We provide NOI as a supplement to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP. As such, it should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of our operating performance. It is the primary performance measure we use to assess the results of our operations at the property level. NOI is calculated as net income, less non-real estate revenue and the results of discontinued operations (including the gain on sale, if any), plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization and general and administrative expenses.

(4)

For purposes of evaluating comparative operating performance, we categorize our properties as “core” or “non-core”. A core property is one that was owned for the entirety of the periods being evaluated. A non-core property is one that was acquired or placed into service during either of the periods being evaluated.

(5)

Funds Available for Distribution (“FAD”) is a non-GAAP measure. It is calculated by subtracting from FFO (1) recurring expenditures, tenant improvements and leasing costs that are capitalized and amortized and are necessary to maintain our properties and revenue stream and (2) straight-line rents, then adding (3) non-real estate depreciation and amortization, (4) amortization of restricted share and unit compensation, and adding or subtracting amortization of lease intangibles, as appropriate. We consider FAD to be a measure of a REIT’s ability to incur and service debt and to distribute dividends to its shareholders. FAD is a non-standardized measure and may be calculated differently by other REITs.

Economic Occupancy Levels by Core Properties (i) and All Properties

 

     Core Properties     All Properties  

Sector

   2nd QTR
2009
    2nd QTR
2008
    2nd QTR
2009
    2nd QTR
2008
 

Residential

   92.2   93.3   90.6 %(ii)    81.0

Office

   92.6   94.1   93.0   94.1

Medical Office

   96.4   97.6   95.9   97.2

Retail

   95.0   95.1   95.0   95.1

Industrial

   90.2   93.2   90.2   92.8

Overall Portfolio

   93.1   94.5   92.9   92.3

 

( i)

Core properties include all properties that were owned for the entirety of the current and prior year reporting periods. For Q2 2009 and Q2 2008, core properties exclude:

Residential Acquisition: Kenmore Apartments

Office Acquisition: 2445 M Street

Medical Office Acquisition: Sterling Medical Office Building

Retail Acquisitions: none

Industrial Acquisition: none

Also excluded from Core Properties in Q2 2009 and Q2 2008 are Sold Properties: Sullyfield Center, The Earhart Building, and Avondale Apartments;

Held for Sale Properties: Charleston Business Center

In Development Properties: Bennett Park, Clayborne Apartments, and Dulles Station.

 

(ii)

Residential occupancy for all properties reflects the completion of Bennett Park and Clayborne Apartments. At 6/30/09, 211 of 224 units were occupied at Bennett Park and 69 of 74 units were occupied at Clayborne Apartments.


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WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

      Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  

OPERATING RESULTS

   2009     2008     2009     2008  

Revenue

        

Real estate rental revenue

   $ 76,729      $ 68,739      $ 154,589      $ 138,085   

Expenses

        

Real estate expenses

     25,686        22,310        53,090        44,988   

Depreciation and amortization

     23,823        20,995        47,098        41,328   

General and administrative

     3,476        3,058        6,658        6,081   
                                
     52,985        46,363        106,846        92,397   
                                

Real estate operating income

     23,744        22,376        47,743        45,688   

Other income/(expense):

        

Interest expense(1)

     (19,316     (18,840     (38,997     (37,740

Investment income

     339        220        659        458   

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt(1)

     1,219        —          7,064        (8,449
                                
     (17,758     (18,620     (31,274     (45,731
                                

Income from continuing operations

     5,986        3,756        16,469        (43

Discontinued operations:

        

Income from operations of properties held for sale

     281        972        698        2,104   

Gain on disposal

     6,674        15,275        6,674        15,275   
                                

Net income

     12,941        20,003        23,841        17,336   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (52     (53     (101     (110
                                

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

   $ 12,889      $ 19,950      $ 23,740      $ 17,226   
                                

Income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests

   $ 5,934      $ 3,703      $ 16,368      $ (153

Continuing operations real estate depreciation and amortization

     23,823        20,995        47,098        41,328   
                                

Funds from continuing operations

   $ 29,757      $ 24,698      $ 63,466      $ 41,175   
                                

Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale

     281        972        698        2,104   

Discontinued operations real estate depreciation and amortization

     7        203        34        395   
                                

Funds from discontinued operations

     288        1,175        732        2,499   
                                

Funds from operations(2)

   $ 30,045      $ 25,873      $ 64,198      $ 43,674   
                                

Gain on extinguishment of debt

     (1,219     —          (7,064     —     

Tenant improvements

     (4,727     (5,029     (5,793     (7,139

External and internal leasing commissions capitalized

     (2,186     (1,429     (3,244     (3,452

Recurring capital improvements

     (1,984     (3,052     (3,158     (5,168

Straight-line rents, net

     (515     (712     (1,179     (1,456

Non-cash fair value interest expense

     900        1,061        2,028        2,108   

Non real estate depreciation & amortization of debt costs

     1,177        1,253        2,396        2,516   

Amortization of lease intangibles, net

     (635     (537     (1,232     (1,044

Amortization and expensing of restricted share and unit compensation

     927        716        1,504        1,416   
                                

Funds available for distribution(5)

   $ 21,783      $ 18,144      $ 48,456      $ 31,455   
                                

Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


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              Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,

Per share data attributable to the controlling interests:

                2009            2008            2009            2008    

Income from continuing operations

   (Basic)      $ 0.11    $ 0.08    $ 0.30    $ 0.00
   (Diluted)      $ 0.11    $ 0.08    $ 0.30    $ 0.00

Net income

   (Basic)      $ 0.23    $ 0.42    $ 0.43    $ 0.36
   (Diluted)      $ 0.23    $ 0.41    $ 0.43    $ 0.36

Funds from continuing operations

   (Basic)      $ 0.53    $ 0.52    $ 1.16    $ 0.87
   (Diluted)      $ 0.53    $ 0.51    $ 1.16    $ 0.87

Funds from operations

   (Basic)      $ 0.53    $ 0.54    $ 1.18    $ 0.92
   (Diluted)      $ 0.53    $ 0.54    $ 1.18    $ 0.92

Dividends paid

        $ 0.4325    $ 0.4325    $ 0.8650    $ 0.8550

Weighted average shares outstanding

          56,276      47,933      54,604      47,278

Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding

          56,277      48,033      54,605      47,278


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WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     June 30,
2009
    December 31,
2008(1)
 

Assets

    

Land

   $ 414,527      $ 414,531   

Income producing property

     1,878,406        1,866,221   
                
     2,292,933        2,280,752   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (440,237     (400,487
                

Net income producing property

     1,852,696        1,880,265   

Development in progress

     24,140        23,732   
                

Total real estate held for investment, net

     1,876,836        1,903,997   

Investment in real estate sold or held for sale

     3,838        16,408   

Cash and cash equivalents

     58,446        11,874   

Restricted cash

     21,038        18,823   

Rents and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,622 and $6,278

     49,219        45,244   

Prepaid expenses and other assets(1)

     100,794        112,599   

Other assets related to property sold or held for sale

     200        462   
                

Total assets

   $ 2,110,371      $ 2,109,407   
                

Liabilities

    

Notes payable(1)

   $ 807,128      $ 890,679   

Mortgage notes payable

     457,238        421,286   

Lines of credit

     15,000        67,000   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     70,772        70,569   

Advance rents

     9,462        9,001   

Tenant security deposits

     10,150        10,237   

Other liabilities related to property sold or held for sale

     67        210   
                

Total liabilities

   $ 1,369,817      $ 1,468,982   
                

Shareholders’ equity

    

Shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 58,250 and 52,434 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     584        526   

Additional paid-in capital(1)

     901,603        777,375   

Distributions in excess of net income

     (163,626     (138,936

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (1,808     (2,335
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     736,753        636,630   

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

     3,801        3,795   
                

Total equity

     740,554        640,425   

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 2,110,371      $ 2,109,407   
                

Note: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

(1)

As adjusted (see Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 10, 2009)


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The following tables contain reconciliations of net income to core net operating income for the periods presented:

 

Three months ended June 30, 2009

   Multifamily     Office     Medical
Office
   Retail    Industrial    Total  

Core net operating income(4)

   $ 5,009      $ 18,241      $ 7,329    $ 7,668    $ 7,256    $ 45,503   

Add: Net operating income from non-core properties(4)

     1,900        3,584        56      —        —        5,540   
                                             

Total net operating income(3)

   $ 6,909      $ 21,825      $ 7,385    $ 7,668    $ 7,256    $ 51,043   

Add/(deduct):

               

Other income

                  339   

Interest expense

                  (19,316

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

                  1,219   

Depreciation and amortization expense

                  (23,823

General and administrative expenses

                  (3,476

Income from operations of properties held for sale

                  281   

Gain on sale of real estate

                  6,674   
                     

Net income

                $ 12,941   

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

                  (52
                     

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

                $ 12,889   
                     

Three months ended June 30, 2008

   Multifamily     Office     Medical
Office
   Retail    Industrial    Total  

Core net operating income(4)

   $ 4,790      $ 19,067      $ 7,390    $ 7,930    $ 7,504    $ 46,681   

Add: Net operating income from non-core properties(4)

     (131     (161     40      —        —        (252
                                             

Total net operating income(3)

   $ 4,659      $ 18,906      $ 7,430    $ 7,930    $ 7,504    $ 46,429   

Add/(deduct):

               

Other income

                  220   

Interest expense

                  (18,840

Depreciation and amortization expense

                  (20,995

General and administrative expenses

                  (3,058

Income from operations of properties held for sale

                  972   

Gain on sale of real estate

                  15,275   
                     

Net income

                $ 20,003   

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

                  (53
                     

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

                $ 19,950   
                     


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The following tables contain reconciliations of net income to core net operating income for the periods presented:

 

Six months ended June 30, 2009

  Multifamily     Office     Medical
Office
   Retail    Industrial    Total  

Core net operating income(4)

  $ 9,669      $ 36,360      $ 14,813    $ 15,375    $ 13,916    $ 90,133   

Add: Net operating income from non-core properties(4)

    3,520        7,155        124      —        567      11,366   
                                            

Total net operating income(3)

  $ 13,189      $ 43,515      $ 14,937    $ 15,375    $ 14,483    $ 101,499   

Add/(deduct):

              

Other income

                 659   

Interest expense

                 (38,997

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

                 7,064   

Depreciation and amortization expense

                 (47,098

General and administrative expenses

                 (6,658

Income from operations of properties held for sale

                 698   

Gain on sale of real estate

                 6,674   
                    

Net income

               $ 23,841   

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

                 (101
                    

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

               $ 23,740   
                    

Six months ended June 30, 2008

  Multifamily     Office     Medical
Office
   Retail    Industrial    Total  

Core net operating income(4)

  $ 9,309      $ 38,372      $ 14,615    $ 16,304    $ 14,809    $ 93,409   

Add: Net operating income from non-core properties(4)

    (359     (310     39      —        318      (312
                                            

Total net operating income(3)

  $ 8,950      $ 38,062      $ 14,654    $ 16,304    $ 15,127    $ 93,097   

Add/(deduct):

              

Other income

                 458   

Interest expense

                 (37,740

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

                 (8,449

Depreciation and amortization expense

                 (41,328

General and administrative expenses

                 (6,081

Income from operations of properties held for sale

                 2,104   

Gain on sale of real estate

                 15,275   
                    

Net income

               $ 17,336   

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

                 (110
                    

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

               $ 17,226